Repel assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A repel assembly and method includes an engagement surface having an adhesive plane for securing to an object, a plurality of attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angle transverse to the adhesive plane and a transport surface for supporting a fixture coupled to the plurality of attachment spikes, the fixture being positioned between the engagement surface and the transport surface. The repel assembly further includes an annular ring having an upper and lower ring coupled to the repel assembly, the lower ring having first and second ends spaced by a wiper body such that the annular ring repels debris from contacting and/or collecting on the transport surface.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following application is a Continuation-In-Part application under 35U.S.C. §120 and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/520,765 that was filed Oct. 22, 2014 and published as U.S.Publication No. 2015/0035242 on Feb. 5, 2015, which is a divisionalapplication filed under 35 U.S.C. 121 that claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/929,173 filed Jun. 27, 2013, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,887,353 trial issued on Nov. 18, 2014 entitled REPEL ASSEMBLYAND METHOD, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/666,419 filed Jun. 29, 2012 entitled ATTACHMENT GLIDER, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/798,803 filed Mar. 15, 2013entitled REPEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD. The subject application also claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/975,532 filedApr. 4, 2014 entitled REPEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD. Priority is claimed forall of the above-identified applications and patent and saidapplications and patent are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a repel assembly and method, and moreparticularly, a repel assembly and method that is secured to or near anattachment glider on an object to be moved preventing the collection ofdebris on the attachment glider.

BACKGROUND

In the moving industry, it is quite usual to face the situation ofhaving to move large, heavy, and sometimes awkwardly shaped objects suchas furniture within the confines of buildings. The movement of largeobjects and furniture are not limited to the venue of commercialbuildings, but equally experienced in residential settings with interestin relocating furniture to achieve a new floor plan or moving thefurniture or large objects to a new home. Other occurrences arise fromoffice downsizing, team wiring upgrades, etc. that frequently mandateoffice reconfigurations requiring that the furniture be moved orrotated. Furniture is also frequently moved for example, in healthcareand educational facilities for cleaning. In these instances, as in theinstallation of modular carpet, it is desirable to move the furniturequickly, with the least possible effort and preferably, after hours witha limited number of workers.

Office equipment is usually moved with a hand truck, four-wheel dolly,or the like and can take several individuals working together. The workis hard, labor expensive and injuries occur. Other furniture, such asworkstations, computers, etc. are also difficult to move. The preferablemethod of moving the heavy objects is for professional movers to pickthe object up and carry it by hand, but this is not always aneconomically feasible or a possible arrangement because of the lack orcost of labor.

An alternative to hand trucks and dollies for movement of furniture andobjects includes the use of attachment gliders, typically placed underthe legs of the object to be moved. The attachment glider comprisesvarious contact surfaces for engaging the type of material forming thefloor across which the object or furniture is moved. For example, for awood or tile floor, the attachment glider will have a textile surfacesuch as felt. For a floor covered with carpet, the attachment gliderwill have a hard smooth surface such as plastic. Such surfaces reducethe friction and/or wear that occurs from the object moving across thefloor's surface.

One example of hand glider assemblies are those shown in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/491,703 entitled ATTACHMENT GLIDER that wasfiled on Jun. 8, 2012. The ATTACHMENT GLIDER application was assigned tothe assignee of the present disclosure and is incorporated herein byreference.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment includes a repel assembly comprises an engagementsurface having an adhesive plane for seeming to an object, a pluralityof attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angletransverse to the adhesive plane and a transport surface for supportinga fixture coupled to the plurality of attachment spikes, the fixturebeing positioned between the engagement surface and the transportsurface. The repel assembly further includes an annular ring having anupper and lower ring coupled to the repel assembly, the lower ringhaving first and second ends spaced by a wiper body such that theannular ring repels debris from contacting and/or collecting on thetransport surface.

Another example embodiment includes a polymeric annular repel ring forthe prevention of attraction, contact, and/or collection of debris to anattachment glider. The annular repel ring comprises an upper ring and alower ring spaced by a wiper body. The upper ring is for securing to anattachment glider during use. The lower ring divergently extends fromthe upper ring from a first end to a second end, forming the wiper bodytherebetween.

While another example embodiment includes a method of repelling debrisfrom an attachment glider. The steps comprise surrounding an attachmentglider with an annular repel ring, the annular repel ring having upperand lower rings defined by a wiper body therebetween and divergentlyextending the wiper body sway from the upper ring toward the lower ring.The steps also include constructing the wiper body to allow for flexiblein and oat rotation of at least a portion of the lower ring relative tothe upper ring.

Yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure comprises anassembly for repelling or preventing the collection of debris at thebase of an object. The assembly includes a support plate having upperand lower regions. The upper region supports an engagement, surfacehaving an adhesive plane for securing to an object. The assembly alsocomprises a transport surface positioned within an opening in the lowerregion of the support plate, the transport surface for making primarycontact with the floor for carrying a first portion of a load of anobject during use; and an annular wiper having first and second annularends to form a tapered annular arm. The first end is integrallyconnected to the support plate and the second annular end extends fromthe first annular end. The annular wiper repels and prevents debris fromcontacting and collecting on the transport surface.

Another example embodiment of the present disclosure comprises methodfor repelling or preventing the collection of debris at the base of anobject, the method comprising tire steps of: providing a support platehaving upper and lower regions, the upper region supporting anengagement surface having an adhesive plane for scouring to an object;positioning a transport surface within an opening in the lower region ofthe support plate, the transport surface for making primary contact withthe floor for carrying a first portion of a load of an object duringuse; and integrally connecting by molding an annular wiper having firstand second annular ends to form a tapered annular arm to the supportplate, the second annular end extending fern the first annular end, theannular wiper repelling and preventing debris from contacting andcollecting on the transport surface.

While another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a repelassembly having a contact member having an engagement surface forseeming to an object, a body having lop and bottom surfaces, the topsurface for supporting said contact member and preventing the contactmember from movement during use, a transport surface carrying a primaryload during use, the transport, surface positioned within said body, thetransport surface for making primary contact with the floor during use,and an annular wiper carrying a secondary load during use, the annularwiper having first and second annular ends for making secondary contactwith the floor during use, the annular wiper integrally molded into saidbody to provide a dynamic wear system between said annular wiper andsaid transport surface said primary load remains on said transportsurface as the transport surface wears away daring use, the annularwiper repelling and preventing debris from contacting and collecting onsaid transport surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which thepresent invention relates upon consideration of the followingdescription of the invention with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts unlessdescribed otherwise throughout the drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a repel assembly secured to an attachmentglider constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an annular ring constructed inaccordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an upper plan view of the annular ring of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an elevation side view of the annular ring of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a bottom plan view of the annular ring of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section view of FIG. 2 along section lines 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a section view of FIG. 17 along section lines 20-20;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a section view of FIG. 24 along section lines 27-27;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 22;

FIG. 29 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is a section view of FIG. 31 along section lines 34-34;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 29; and

FIG. 36 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a section view of FIG. 38 along section lines 41-41;

FIG. 42 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 41 illustrating therepel assembly in an unloaded, position;

FIG. 43 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 41 illustrating therepel assembly in a first loaded/wear position;

FIG. 44 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 41 illustrating therepel assembly in a second loaded/wear position;

FIG. 45 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of FIG. 45;

FIG. 49 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 is a section view of FIG. 47 along section, lines 50-50;

FIG. 51 is a portion of a sectional view of a repel assembly having auniform cover thickness in an unloaded position;

FIG. 52 is a portion of a sectional view of a repel assembly having auniform cover thickness in a first loaded/wear position;

FIG. 53 is a portion of a sectional view of a repel assembly having auniform cover thickness in a first loaded/wear position;

FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 55 is an upper perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 56 is a lower perspective view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a top plan view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is a side elevation view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 59 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 60 is an upper perspective view FIG. 55 in a first installationcondition;

FIG. 61 is a side elevation view of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is an upper perspective view FIG. 55 in a second installationcondition;

FIG. 63 is a section view of FIG. 57 along section lines 63-63;

FIG. 64 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 63 illustrating therepel assembly in an unloaded position;

FIG. 65 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 63 illustrating therepel assembly in a first loaded/wear position;

FIG. 66 is a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 63 illustrating therepel assembly in a second loaded/wear position;

FIG. 67 is an exploded, perspective view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a repel assembly constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 69 is a section view of the repel assembly of FIG. 68 along sectionlines 69-69;

FIG. 70 is a magnified portion of a section of FIG. 69, illustrating itsadvantages when compared to the profile in FIG. 71, as it passes over animperfection in the surface of the floor; and

FIG. 71 is a magnified portion of a section of a repel assembly inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure asit passes over an imperfection in the surface of the floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered featuresshown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted.The present disclosure relates to a repel assembly and method, and moreparticularly, a repel assembly and method that is secured to or near anattachment glider on an object to be moved preventing the collection ofdirt, dust, and hair collectively or individually “debris” on theattachment glider.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a repel assembly 200constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the presentdisclosure comprising and secured to an attachment glider 101. The repelassembly 200 also includes an annular ring 201 having an upper ring 202and a lower ring 204, as further illustrated in the example embodimentof FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. The annular ring 201 in the illustratedexample embodiment is molded, from a polymer material. In an alternativeexample embodiment, the polymer consists of at least one of polymercomprising plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, an elastomer, rubber,or any combination thereof.

The lower ring 204 acts as a wiper having a first end 203 and a secondend 205 spaced by an annular wiper body 207. The annular wiper body 207diverges away from fee first end 203 to the second end 205 at an angle αand defined by a substantially uniform annular thickness “t”. In oneexample embodiment, the annular ring 201 is made from plastic and/orrobber and has a thickness “t” of approximate 0.063″ inches, it relativethin thickness compared to the length of the wiper body 207 allowing forflexible in-and-out movement of the wiper body about the first end 203.In the illustrated example embodiment, the angle α is approximately tendegrees and the wiper body 207 includes a radial annular end “r” at thesecond end 205, facilitating its repelling features.

The upper ring 202 is of a constant diameter and molded with and to thelower ring 204. The upper ring's constant diameter includes an innerdiameter 210 and outer diameter 212.

The repel assembly 200 further comprises an engagement surface 312 forattacking to an object such as furniture and transport surface 314 forcontacting the floor on which the object is located. The repel assembly200 is fixedly attached to form a secured connection to an object (notshown) such as a furniture leg through the combination of an adhesivebond 316 located on the engagement surface 312 and plurality ofattachment spikes 318 fixed to the glider and projecting away from theengagement surface.

The transport surface 314 is located opposite the engagement surface 312and designed to protect the floor from marring or damage during movementof the object across the surface of the floor. The annular ring 201 isdesigned to surround and envelop the transport, surface 314 and preventdebris, such as dirt, dust, hair, and the like from collecting onthereon. In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 1, the annularring 201 remains in constant contact with the floor and parallel with acontact end 414 of the transport surface 314. In addition, the annularring 201 is designed to flex in the direction of arrows A (FIG. 1)outward as the wear occurs on the transport surface 314, reducing itsheight as illustrated in FIG. 7. Such flexing results in a constant orstatic wiper force being provided by the annular ring 201 independent ofwear height or load to the transport surface 314.

In an alternative example embodiment the wiper body 207 includes analtered material or an incorporation of a spring such that the constantor static wiper force is enhanced. The constant or static wiper forceprovided by the ring 201 and wiper body 207 in FIG. 1 allows the ring towipe across the floor surface lightly while the transport surface (suchas a felt pad) takes the load of the object it is connected to (such asa chair and human). This eliminates the collection of debris on thetransport surface 314, as well prevents damage to the floor surface fromthe ring 201 or chair as the load is carried by the transport surface.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 312,transport surface 314, and annular ring 201 are circularly shaped, butcould be constructed to include any geometrical shape to match thegeometry portion of the object in which the glider is secured withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, are the top plan, side elevation, and bottomplan views of the example embodiment of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 illustrates anexploded perspective view of the example embodiment of FIG. 5. Inparticular, the engagement surface 312 and transport surface 314 areseparated by an intermediate surface 315. The intermediate surface 315supports a metal fixture 320 having a plurality of transversely curvedends 322 extending from a relatively planer body 324. The transverselycurved ends 322 support a respective one of the plurality of attachmentspikes 318.

In one example embodiment, the intermediate surface 315 is a circulardisc having a radial wall 326 supporting a cavity region 328. The cavityregion 328 includes a number of support walls 330 for retaining themetal fixture 320 and to advantageously prevent the metal fixture fromrotating or moving within the cavity during use. The number supportwalls 330 correspond to the number of curved ends 322. The cavity 328further comprises an alignment projection 332 for guiding the metalfixture 320 having a corresponding opening 333 into the cavity duringassembly.

Once the metal fixture 320 is seated into the cavity 328, the engagementsurface 312 is positioned over the metal fixture and secured to theintermediate surface 315. That is, the engagement surface 312 comprisesa double-sided adhesive piano 334, allowing for adhesive bonding to bothan assembly side 336 and engagement side 338 of the engagement surface.In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 312 isapproximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick and both sides 336, 338 include aprotective sheet to cover the adhesive surface that is removed uponassembly or attachment to the object.

In addition to the adhesive bond, the plurality of attachment spikes 318penetrate the engagement surface 312 during assembly. This penetrationassists in the securing of the engagement surface 312 to theintermediate surface 315. The intermediate surface 315 is secured to thetransport surface 114 by an adhesive, such as glue positioned and curedbetween ink surfaces. In an alternative example embodiment, anotherengagement surface 312 is positioned between for securing theintermediate surface 315 to the transport surface 314.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the transport surface 314 is asoft textile material, such as felt approximately ⅛″ of one inch inthickness and the metal fixture 320 is formed from 1020 steel. Theintermediate surface 315 is molded from a relatively hard thermoplastic.In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the repel assembly200 is particularly suitable for non-carpet floors, such as wood,laminate, vinyl, tile, and the like.

The plurality of attachment spikes 318 protrude from the attachmentsurface 312 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally at 120 degrees from each other. This allows for securingto the object for transport, such as a wooden leg of furniture withoutthe need of a hammer or tools. While the penetration of the spikes 318are advantageously designed in size and configuration to eliminate theneed for tools, the spikes' 318 design and configuration in combinationwith the adhesive bond of the adhesive plane 334 provide sufficientstrength to resist separation after attachment, shear stresses, orfailure dining transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the annular ring 201 is securedto the outer diameter 375 of the intermediate surface 315 by a press-fitconnection with the inner diameter 210 of the upper ring 202. Inalternative example embodiments an adhesive such as glue is used tofurther secure the upper ring 202 to the intermediate surface 315. Inyet another example embodiment, the annular ring 201, and particularlythe upper ring 202 is molded into and with the intermediate surface 315.

The flexible in-and-out movement of the wiper body 207 about the firstend 203 advantageously prevents collection of dirt, dust, hair, anddebris from collecting to the transport surface 314. Such debris is moredifficult to clean than if the debris was alone on the surface of thefloor. In the illustrated example embodiment, the second end of the 205of the annular ring 201 contacts the floor at the same point as thecompressed transport surface 314. Stated another way, the location ofthe annular ring 201 about the intermediate surface 315 is such that thesecond end 205 defined by h1 terminates at the contact end 414 whencompressed by the weight of the object or furniture defined by h2 asillustrated in FIG. 7. Therefore, under compression, the transportsurface's 314 stack-up once assembled results h1 the substantialalignment of the contact end 414 with the second end 205 of the annularring 201. This prevents the collection or contact of debris with thetransport surface 314.

In the illustrated example embodiment, annular ring 201 is attached byinner ring 210 or is molded with the Intermediate surface 315. Inanother example embodiment, the annular ring 201 is attached to theobject or furniture leg covering the attachment glider and its secondend 205 terminates at the contact end 414 when compressed by the weightof the object or furniture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a repel assembly 200constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure secured to an attachment glider 101. The repel assembly 200includes an annular ring 201 having an upper ring 202 and a lower ring204.

The lower ring 204 acts as a wiper having a first end 203 and a secondend 205 spaced by an annular wiper body 207. The annular wiper body 207diverges away from the first end 203 to the second end 205 at an angle αand defined by a substantially uniform annular thickness “t”. In oneexample embodiment, the annular ring 201 is made from plastic and/orrubber and has a thickness “t” of approximate 0.063″ inches, allowingfor flexible in-and-out movement of the wiper body 207 about the firstend 203. In the illustrated example embodiment, the angle α isapproximately ten degrees.

The upper ring 202 is of a constant diameter and molded with and to thelower ring 204. The upper ring's constant diameter includes an innerdiameter 210 and outer diameter 212.

The repel assembly 200 further comprises an engagement surface 312 forattaching to an object such as furniture and transport surface orsupport surface 314 for contacting the floor on which the object islocated. The repel assembly 200 is fixedly attached to form a securedconnection to an object (not shown) such as a furniture leg through thecombination of an adhesive bond 318 located on the engagement surface312 and plurality of attachment spikes 318 fixed to the glider andprojecting away from the engagement surface.

The transport surface 314 is located opposite the engagement surface 312and designed to protect the floor from marring or damage during movementof the object across tire surface of the floor. In the illustratedexample embodiment, the engagement surface 312, transport surface 314,and annular ring 201 are circularly shaped, but could be constructed toinclude any geometrical shape to match the geometry portion of theobject in which the glider is secured without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, are the top plan, side elevation, and bottomplan views of the example embodiment of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 illustrates anexploded perspective view of the example embodiment of FIG. 10. Inparticular, the transport surface 314 supports a metal fixture 320having a plurality of transversely curved ends 322 extending from arelatively planer body 324. The transversely curved ends 322 support arespective one of the plurality of attachment spikes 318.

In one example embodiment, the transport surface 314 is a circular cuphaving an upwardly curved radial wall 326 supporting a cavity region328. The cavity region 328 includes a number of support, walls 330 forretaining the metal fixture 320 and to advantageously prevent the metalfixture from rotating or moving within the cavity during use. The numbersupport walls 330 correspond to the number of curved ends 322. Thecavity 328 further comprises an alignment projection 332 for guiding themetal fixture 320 having a corresponding opening 333 into the cavityduring assembly.

Once the metal fixture 320 is seated into the cavity 328, the engagementsurface 312 is positioned over the metal, fixture and secured to thetransport surface 314. That is, the engagement surface 312 comprises adouble-sided adhesive plane 334, allowing for adhesive bonding to bothan assembly side 336 and engagement side 338 of the engagement surface,in the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface isapproximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick and both sides 336, 338 include aprotective sheet to cover the adhesive surface that is removed uponassembly or attachment to the object.

In addition, to the adhesive bond, the plurality of attachment spikespenetrate the engagement surface 312 during assembly. This penetrationassists in the securing of the engagement surface 312 to the transportsurface 314.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the transport surface 314 ismolded from a thermoplastic of relatively hard properties and the metalfixture 320 is formed from 1020 steel. The transport surface 314 furthercomprises a contact area 340 for engaging the floor that has arelatively smooth low friction surface advantageous for efficienttransport of the object across a floor. In the illustrated exampleembodiment of FIGS. 10-14, the repel assembly 200 is particularlysuitable for carpet floors.

The plurality of attachment spikes 318 protrude from the attachmentsurface 312 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally at 120 degrees from each other. This allows for securingto the object for transport, such as a wooden leg of furniture withoutthe need of a hammer or tools. While the penetration of the spikes 318are advantageously designed in size and configuration to eliminate theneed for tools, the spikes' 318 design and configuration in combinationwith the adhesive bond of the adhesive plane 334 provide sufficientstrength to resist separation after attachment, shear stresses, orfailure during transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 the annular ring201 is secured to the outer diameter 375 of the transfer surface 314 bya press-fit connection with the inner diameter 210 of the upper ring202. In alternative example embodiment, an adhesive such as glue is usedto further secure the upper ring 202 to the transfer surface 314. In yetanother example embodiment, the annular ring 201, and particularly theupper ring 202 is molded into and with tire transfer surface 314.

The flexible in-and-out movement of the wiper body 207 about the firstend 203 advantageously prevents collection of dirt, dust, hair, anddebris from collecting to or near the transport surface 314. Such debrisis more difficult to clean than if the debris was alone on the surfaceof the floor. In the illustrated example embodiment, the second end ofthe 205 of the annular ring 201 contacts the floor at the same point asthe transport surface 314. Stated another way, the location of theannular ring 201 about the transport surface 314 is such that the secondend 205 terminates at the contact end 414 as illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the illustrated example embodiment, annular ring 201 is attached byinner ring 210 or is molded with the transfer surface 314. In anotherexample embodiment, the annular ring 201 is attached to the object orfurniture leg covering the attachment glider and its second end 205terminates at the contact end 414.

FIGS. 15-21 illustrate a perspective view of a repel assembly 500constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The repel assembly 500 includes a dynamic wear system 590that allows the transport surface to remain in primary contact with thefloor based on the load provided by the object resting upon theassembly, while a lesser, secondary load is applied to an annular wiperthat prevents debris from collecting on transport surface. The dynamicwear system 590 in addition, prevents the repel assembly from markingthe floor while also facilitating the annular wiper's ability to preventthe collection of dust or debris on the transport surface during use.The repel assembly 500 includes an annular wiper 502, cushion 504,transport surface 506, support plate 508, plurality of spikes 510, andengagement surface 512.

The annular wiper 502 and support plate 508 are made from plastic. Theannular wiper 502 engages the floor with a secondary load 503 while incontact with the floor, allowing it to act as a dust cover, repellingdebris from attracting to the transport surface 506.

The repel assembly's 500 engagement surface 512 includes a plurality ofspikes 514 for attaching to an object such as furniture, or the bottomof a leg, chair, Ottoman, dresser, and the like. That is, the repelassembly 500 is fixedly attached to form a secured, connection to anobject (not shown) such as a furniture leg through the combination of anadhesive bond 516 located on the engagement surface 512 and plurality ofattachment spikes 514 fixed to the support plate 508 and projecting awayfrom the engagement surface.

The transport surface 506 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a cushion-like material, such as foam or felt that contacts thefloor on which the object is located. The transport surface 506 islocated below tire support plate 508, which advances the transportsurface under a primary load 501 carried by the object out of an opening534. Since the primary load 501 by the object is greater than thesecondary load 503 applied to the annular wiper 502, marking orscratching of the floor is avoided. This prevention of scratches ormarks on the floor and is achieved by the repel assembly's dynamic wearsystem 590.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 512,transport surface 506, support plate 508, cushion 504, and annular wiper502 are circularly shaped, but could be constructed to include anygeometrical shape to match the geometry profile of the object in whichthe repel assembly 500 is secured without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 17-19, are the top, side elevation, and bottom planviews of the example embodiment of FIG. 15. FIG. 21 illustrates anexploded perspective view of the example embodiment of FIG. 15. In theillustrated example embodiment, except for the metal spikes 510,transport, surface 506, cushion 504, and adhesive 516, the entireassembly is formed from plastic. The cushion 504, provides the reducedor secondary load absorbed from the object and transmitted to theannular wiper 502, and in the illustrated example embodiment, thecushion 504 is made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material. Thecushion 504 however, could be made from other compressible materials,such as a metal spring or other materials having similar propertieswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.In one example embodiment, the transport surface 506 is felt, a polymersuch as polyethylene or polypropylene, or foam material, capable ofpreventing marring or marking of the floor during use.

A metal fixture 560 forming the plurality of attachment spikes 510 isseated into a form or fixture (not shown) in the top of the supportplate 508. The engagement surface 512 comprises the double-sidedadhesive 516, allowing for adhesive bonding to both the object (notshown) and repel assembly 500. In the illustrated example embodiment,the engagement surface 512 is approximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick andthe upper side includes a protective sheet to cover the adhesive surfacethat is removed upon assembly or attachment to the object.

In addition to the adhesive bond, the plurality of attachment spikespenetrate the engagement surface 512 during assembly. This penetrationassists in the securing of the engagement surface 512 to the object.

The plurality of attachment spikes 514 protrude from the attachmentsurface 512 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally at 120 degrees from each other. This allows for securingto the object for transport, such as a wooden leg of furniture withoutthe need of a hammer or tools. While the penetration of the spikes 514are advantageously designed in size and configuration to eliminate theneed for tools, the spikes' 514 design and configuration in combinationwith the adhesive bond of the engagement surface 512 provide sufficientstrength to resist separation after attachment, shear stresses, orfailure during transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 15-21, the adhesiveengagement surface 512 and metal fixture 560 are secured to the upperside 509 of the support plate 508. The support plate 508 is moveablysecured (in the direction of arrows Y in FIG. 20) to the annular wiper502 through an annular arm 520 that includes an annular catch 522 thatrides in an annular channel 524 of the annular wiper. A circular cavity526 is provided between, the annular arm 520 and a diametrical centerpost 528 formed in the support plate 508.

Because the support plate 508 and annular wiper 502 are made of plastic,the annular arm 520 and wiper elastically deform as the arms snap intothe channel 524 during assembly. The annular arms 520 hold the supportplate 508 into position by an annular abutment 530 of the wiper 502surrounding the channel and engaging the annular catch 522 extendingfrom the arms. An underside rim 532 of the support plate 508 rides onthe cushion 504. The dynamic wear system 590 formed in part by thechannel 524, cushion 504, circular cavity 526, and arm 520 allow for thevertical movement or translation of the annular wiper 508 independentlyfrom the transport surface 506, as indicated by arrows Y.

During use, the primary load 501 generated by the weight of the objectacting down on the repel assembly 500 (as indicated by the arrow F inFIG. 20) causes the downward movement or translation of the supportplate 508 as described above, and accordingly, the movement of thesupport plate diametrical center post 528. The center post 528 therebyengages in its entirety and substantially uniformly, the transportsurface 506, thus advancing the transport surface (506′ shown inphantom) out of an opening 534 in the bottom of the annular wiper 502.The lesser, secondary load 503 originated by the object is reduced andabsorbed by the cushion 504 before being applied to the annular wiper502. This prevents the annular wiper from marring or marking the floor,yet remain in contact with the floor to prevent dust and debris fromcollecting on the transport surface 506.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 501 and secondary load 503of the dynamic wear system 590, advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from collecting to or near the transportsurface 506, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 541 wears away from the transport surface. Statedanother way, the repel assembly 500 includes fee dynamic wear system 590that allows the transport surface to remain in primary contact with thefloor under the greatest load over time, while the annular wiper 502remains at a safe cleaning contact load with the floor that does notallow for marking or scratches, but keeps the transport surface safefrom debris. In another example embodiment, the transport surface 506includes a wear indicator 542 that informs the user that the amount ofmaterial worn from the bottom of the transport surface is no longersufficient to provide protection to the floor.

FIGS. 22-28 illustrate a perspective view of a repel assembly 600constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The repel assembly 600 includes a dynamic wear system 690that allows fee transport surface to remain in primary contact with feefloor based on the load provided by the object resting upon theassembly, while a lesser, secondary load is applied to an annular wiperthat prevents debris from collecting on transport surface. The dynamicwear system 590 in addition, prevents the repel assembly from markingthe floor while also facilitating the annular wiper's ability to preventthe collection of dust or debris on the transport surface during use.The repel assembly 600 includes an annular wiper 602, transport surface606, support plate 608, plurality of spikes 610, and engagement surface612.

The annular wiper 602 and support plate 608 are made from plastic. Theannular wiper 802 engages the floor with a secondary load 603 while incontact with the floor, allowing it to act as a dust cover, repellingdebris from attracting to the transport surface 606.

The repel assembly's 600 engagement surface 612 includes a plurality ofspikes 614 for attaching to an object such as furniture, or the bottomof a leg, chair, ottoman, dresser, and the like. That is, the repelassembly 800 is fixedly attached to form a see wed connection to anobject (not shown) such as a furniture leg through the combination of anadhesive bond 816 located on the engagement surface 812 and plurality ofattachment spikes 614 fixed to the support plate 608 and projecting awayfrom the engagement surface.

The transport surface 606 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a cushion-like material, such as foam or felt that contacts thefloor on which the object is located. The transport surface 606 islocated below the support plate 608, which advances the transportsurface under a primary load 601 carried by the object out of an opening634. Since the primary load 601 by the object is greater than thesecondary load 803 applied to the annular wiper 802, marking orscratching of the floor is avoided. This prevention of scratches ormarks on the floor and is achieved, by the repel assembly's dynamic wearsystem 690.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 612,transport surface 606, support plate 608, and annular wiper 602 arecircularly shaped, but could be constructed to include any geometricalshape to match the geometry profile of the object in which, the repelassembly 600 is secured without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 24-26, are the top, side elevation, and bottom planviews of the example embodiment of FIG. 22. FIG. 27 illustrates anexploded perspective view of the example embodiment of FIG. 22. In theillustrated example embodiment, except for the metal spikes 610,transport surface 606, and adhesive 616, the entire assembly 600 isformed from plastic. In one example embodiment, the transport surface606 is felt, a polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or foammaterial, capable of preventing marring or marking of the floor duringuse.

A metal fixture 660 forming the plurality of attachment spikes 610 isseated into a form or fixture (not shown) in the top of the supportplate 608. The engagement surface 612 comprises the double-sidedadhesive 616, allowing for adhesive bonding to both the object (notshown) and repel assembly 600. In the illustrated example embodiment,the engagement surface 612 is approximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick andthe upper side includes a protective sheet to cover the adhesive surfacethat is removed, upon assembly or attachment to the object.

In addition to the adhesive bond, the plurality of attachment spikespenetrate the engagement surface 612 during assembly. This penetrationassists in the securing of the engagement surface 612 to the object.

The plurality of attachment spikes 614 protrude from, the attachmentsurface 612 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally at 120 degrees from, each other. This allows forsecuring to the object for transport, such as a wooden leg of furniturewithout the need of a hammer or tools. While the penetration of thespikes 614 are advantageously designed in size and configuration toeliminate the need for tools, the spikes' 614 design and configurationin combination with the adhesive bond of the engagement surface 612provide sufficient strength to resist separation after attachment shearstresses, or failure during transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 22-28, the adhesiveengagement surface 612 and metal fixture 660 are scoured to the upperside 609 of the support plate 608. The support plate 608 is moveablysecured (in the direction of arrows Y in FIG. 27) to the annular wiper602 through a plurality of annular arms 620 (three in the exampleembodiment) that each include an annular catch 622 that rides in anannular channel 624 of the annular wiper. A circular cavity 626 isprovided between the annular arm 620 and a diametrical center post 628formed. In the support plate 608.

Because the support plate 608 and annular wiper 602 are made of plastic,the annular arms 620 and wiper elastically deform as the arms snap intothe channel 624 during assembly. The annular arms 620 hold the supportplate 608 into position by an annular abutment 630 of the wiper 602surrounding the channel 624 and engaging the annular catch 622 extendingfrom the arms.

The dynamic wear system 690 formed in part by the channel 624, wings604, wedges 605, circular cavity 626, and arm 620 allow for the verticalmovement or translation of the support plate 608 and transport surface606, as indicated by arrows Y. The wings 604 of the support plate 608are formed by serrations 611 along the perimeter of the support plate.The wings 604 are molded into and extend linearly from the bottomsurface 615 of top of the support plate 608 as illustrated in FIG. 27.The wings 604 engage corresponding wedges 605 is the base of the annularwiper 602. The wings over time fold inward in the direction of thewedges 605 moving downward in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 27.

During use, the primary load 601 generated by the weight of the objectacting down on the repel assembly 600 (as indicated by the arrow F inFIG. 27) causes the downward movement or translation of the supportplate 608 and its wings 604 on the wedges 605 as described above, andaccordingly, the movement of the support plate diametrical center post628. The center post 628 thereby engages in its entirety andsubstantially uniformly, the transport surface 606, thus advancing thetransport surface (606′ shown in phantom) out of an opening 634 in thebottom of the annular wiper 602. The lesser, secondary load 603originated by the object is reduced and absorbed by the wings 604 beforebeing applied to the annular wiper 602. This prevents the annular wiper602 from marring or marking the floor, yet it remains in contact withthe floor to prevent dust and debris from collecting on the transportsurface 606.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 601 and secondary load 603of the dynamic wear system 690, advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from collecting to or near the transportsurface 606, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 641 wears away from the transport surface. Statedanother way, the repel assembly 600 includes the dynamic wear system 690that allows the transport surface 606 to remain in primary contact withthe floor under the greatest load over time, while the annular wiper 602remains at a safe cleaning contact load with the floor mat does notallow for marking or scratches, but keeps the transport surface safefrom debris. In another example embodiment, the transport surface 606includes a wear indicator 642 that informs the user that the amount ofmaterial worn from the bottom of the transport surface is no longersufficient to provide protection to the floor.

FIGS. 29-35 illustrate a perspective view of a repel assembly 700constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The repel assembly 700 includes a dynamic wear system 790that allows the transport surface to remain in primary contact with thefloor based on the load provided by the object resting upon theassembly, while a lesser, secondary load is applied to an annular wiperthat prevents debris from collecting on transport surface. The dynamicwear system 790 in addition, prevents the repel assembly from markingthe floor while also facilitating the annular wiper's ability to preventthe collection of dust or debris on the transport surface during use.The repel assembly 700 includes an annular wiper 702, transport surface706, support plate 708, plurality of spikes 710, and engagement surface712.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the annular wiper 702 isintegrally molded into the support plate 708, and both are made fromplastic. The annular wiper 702 engages the floor with a secondary load703 while in contact with the floor, allowing it to act as a dust cover,repelling debris from, attracting to the transport surface 706.

The repel assembly's 700 engagement surface 712 includes a plurality ofspikes 714 for attaching to an object such as furniture, or the bottomof a leg, chair, ottoman, dresser, and the like. That is, the repelassembly 700 is fixedly attached to form a secured connection to anobject (not shown) such as a furniture leg through the combination, ofan adhesive bond 716 located on the engagement surface 712 and pluralityof attachment spikes 714 fixed to the support plate 708 and projectingaway from the engagement surface.

The transport surface 706 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a cushion-like material, such as foam or felt that contacts thefloor on which the object is located. The transport surface 706 islocated below the support plate 708, which advances the transportsurface under a primary load 701 carried by the object out of an opening734. Since the primary load 701 generated by the object is greater thanthe secondary load 703 applied to the annular wiper 702, marking orscratching of the floor is avoided. This prevention of scratches ormarks on the floor and is achieved by the repel assembly's dynamic wearsystem 790.

The dynamic wear system 790 generated by the primary and secondaryloads, protect the floor from marring or damage during movement of theobject across the surface of the floor. The secondary load imposed onthe annular wiper at a lesser amount since bellows 704 act as shockabsorbers, reducing the loading force on the annular wiper, thuspreventing marking or scratches to the floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 712,transport surface 706, support plate 708, and annular wiper 702 arecircularly shaped, but could be constructed to include any geometricalshape to match the geometry profile of the object in which the repelassembly 700 is secured without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 31-33, are the top, side elevation, and bottom planviews of the example embodiment of FIG. 29. FIG. 27 illustrates anexploded perspective view of the example embodiment of FIG. 29. In theillustrated example embodiment, except for the metal spikes 710,transport surface 706, and adhesive 716, the entire assembly 700 isformed from plastic. In one example embodiment, the transport surface706 is felt, a polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or foammaterial, capable of preventing marring or marking of the floor duringuse.

A metal fixture 760 forming the plurality of attachment spikes 710 isseated into a form or fixture (not shown) in the top of the supportplate 708. The engagement surface 712 comprises the double-sidedadhesive 716, allowing for adhesive bonding to both the object (notshown) and repel assembly 700. In the illustrated example embodiment,the engagement surface 712 is approximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick andthe upper side includes a protective sheet to cover the adhesive surfacethat is removed upon assembly or attachment to the object.

In addition to the adhesive bond, the plurality of attachment spikespenetrate the engagement surface 712 during assembly. This penetrationassists in the securing of the engagement surface 712 to the object.

The plurality of attachment spikes 714 protrude from the attachmentsurface 712 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally at 120 degrees from each other. This allows for securingto the object for transport, such as a wooden leg of furniture withoutthe need of a hammer or tools. While the penetration of the spikes 714are advantageously designed in size and configuration to eliminate theneed for tools, the spikes' 714 design and configuration in combinationwith the adhesive bond of the engagement surface 712 provide sufficientstrength, to resist separation after attachment, shear stresses, orfailure during transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 29-35, the adhesiveengagement surface 712 and metal fixture 760 are secured to the upperside 709 of the support plate 708. The support plate 708 is moveablysecured (in the direction of arrows Y in FIG. 34) to the annular wiper702 through the molded bellows 704 connection. An adhesive connection725 connects a diametrical central post 728 of the of the support plate708/wiper 702 to the transport surface 706.

The dynamic wear system 790 formed in part by the bellows 704, allowsfor the vertical movement or translation of the support plate 708 andtransport surface 706, as indicated by arrows Y. The bellows 704 aremolded into the plastic support plate 708 between the annular wiper 702and plate and include a number of undulation about the periphery of theplate and wiper. The bellows 704 absorb energy, creating the lessersecondary load 703 relative to the primary load 701 carried by thetransport surface 706, thus preventing marking while contacting thefloor and eliminating the collection of debris on the transport surface.

During use, the weight of the object acting down on the repel assembly700 (as indicated by fee arrow F in FIG. 27) causes the downwardmovement or translation of the support plate 708 and its bellows 704 asdescribed above, and accordingly, the movement of the support platediametrical center post 728. The center post 728 thereby engages in itsentirety and substantially uniformly, the transport surface 706, thusadvancing the transport surface (706′ shown in phantom) out of anopening 734 in the bottom of the annular wiper 702. The lesser,secondary load 703 originated by the object is reduced and absorbed bythe bellows 704 before being applied to the annular wiper 702. Thisprevents the annular wiper 702 from marring or marking the floor, yet itremains is contact with the floor to prevent dust and debris fromcollecting on the transport surface 706.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 701 and secondary load 703of the dynamic wear system 790, advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from collecting to or near the transportsurface 706, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 741 wears away from the transport surface. Statedanother way, the repel assembly 700 includes the dynamic wear system 790that allows the transport surface 706 to remain in primary contact withthe floor under the greatest load over time, while the annular wiper 702remains at a safe cleaning contact load with the floor that does notallow for marking or scratches, but keeps the transport surface safefrom debris. In another example embodiment, the transport surface 705includes a wear indicator 742 that informs the user that the amount ofmaterial worn from the bottom of the transport surface is no longersufficient to provide protection to the floor.

FIGS. 36-44 and 54 illustrate a repel assembly 800 constructed inaccordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.The repel assembly 800 includes a dynamic wear system 890 that allowsthe transport surface to remain in primary contact with the floor basedon the load provided by the object resting upon the assembly, while alesser, secondary load from the object is applied to an annular wiperthat prevents debris from collecting on transport surface. The dynamicwear system 890 in addition, prevents the repel assembly from markingthe floor while also facilitating the annular wiper's ability tomaintain constant contact with the floor, thus preventing the collectionof dust or debris on the transport surface during use. The repelassembly 800 includes an annular wiper 802, transport surface 806,contact member 808, support plate 809, plurality of spikes 810, andengagement surface 812.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the annular wiper 802 isintegrally molded into or with the support plate 809, and both are madefrom plastic. In one example embodiment the support plate 809 andannular wiper are made from low density polyethelene (LDPE). The annularwiper 802 engages the floor with a secondary load represented by F_(Y1),F_(Y2), 803 (in FIGS. 42-43), while in contact with the floor, allowingit to act as a dust cover, repelling debris from attracting to thetransport surface 806.

The repel assembly's 800 engagement surface 812 includes a plurality ofspikes 810 for attaching to an object such as furniture, or the bottomof a leg, chair, ottoman, dresser, and the like. That is, the repelassembly 800 is fixedly attached to form a secured connection to anobject (not shown) such as a furniture leg through the combination of anadhesive bond 816 located on the engagement surface 812 of the contactmember 808 and plurality of attachment spikes 810 fixed or molded intothe support plate 809 and projecting away from the engagement surface.In the illustrated example embodiment, the plurality of spikes areover-molded into the support plate 809.

The transport surface 806 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a cushion-like material, such as foam or felt that contacts thefloor on which the object is located. The transport surface 806 islocated below the support plate 809, which advances the transportsurface under a primary load represented by F₁, F₂, and 801 (in FIGS.42-44) carried by the object out of an annular opening 834. In oneexample embodiments the bottom and top surfaces of the support plate 809that engage the transport surface 806 and contact member 808,respectively are textured in the mold in order to reduce movement of thesurface and member. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the transport surface 806 can either be press-fit into the annularopening 834 of the surface plate 809 and/or secured by an adhesive withthe surface plate. Alternatively, the transport surface can be molded orhot melted into the surface plate in order to make a securingconnection.

Because the primary load F₁, F₂, 801 generated by the object is axiallytransferred (see reference character Y in FIGS. 43 and 44) onto andtaken up by the transport surface, the primary load is greater than thesecondary load 803 applied to the annular wiper 802. The secondary load803 applied to the annular wiper 802 is also less than the primary load801 because of the reduced normal component F_(Y) (see FIGS. 43 and 44)and as a result of the construction of the annular wiper, thus markingor scratching of the floor is avoided, as well as the reduction of dustand debris from collecting on the transport surface 806 common to feltfurniture glides. This prevention of scratches or marks on the floor andis achieved by the repel assembly's dynamic wear system 890.

The reduction in the collection of debris on the transport surface 806attributed to the annular wiper 802 construction is best seen in FIGS.42-44. The annular wiper includes a cover or arm 805, extending from thesupport plate 809 at a first end 807 to a second end 811, whichmaintains constant contact with the ground or floor during loading andwear overtime. The second end 811 includes a lip 813 that prevents thewiper 802 from catching or snagging on imperfections found in the floor.In one example embodiment the lip 813 includes a radius, while inanother example embodiment it is sharp pointed end as illustrated inFIG. 50.

The cantilevered extension of the annular arm 805 from the supportplate, the reduction of the primary load 801 to a secondary load 803 onthe arm, and the arm's reduced thickness or tapered construction shownin the arm from the first end 807 to the second end 811, advantageouslyallows the wiper 802 to maintain 360 degrees of contact with the floorduring loading or wear of the transport surface 806 (as the felt ormaterial is compressed with time). This contact is maintained even withthe legs left on the floor when the object is tilted. That is, an objectis tilted when less than all legs remain on the floor.

It can be seen in FIGS. 42-44 that as wear or greater loading occurs inthe axial direction Y, the arm 805 continues to stretch or rotateradially outward in the direction of arrow R, while maintaining constant360 degree contact with the floor. This is contrasted with an arm 899 ofuniform thickness illustrated in FIGS. 51-53 that in testing proved toinadequately maintain contact with the ground as the load or wearincreased as shown between FIGS. 52 and 53. The distance F increasedbetween the ground and annular arm as illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53with an increase in object load or wear of felt on the transport surface806. In addition, the second end of the arm had a tendency toundesirably curl as indicated by reference character C and collectdebris in dust on top at D1 and below D2 of the arm when a uniform armthickness was tested.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 36-44, the overalldiameter of the annular wiper 802 is one inch to one and one half inchesin diameter. The thickness “t” of the annular arm 805 at the first end807 is approximately 0.018″ inches, while the thickness “t” of theannular arm 805 tapered to approximately three times that of the firstend, that is, a thickness of 0.050″ inches was found to be a suitabletaper. In the same example embodiment, the felt or transport, surfacehad a diameter of approximately 1″ one inch. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other sizes of proportionally scaleddimensions are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the claimeddisclosure.

The dynamic wear system 890 generated by the primary and secondaryloads, protect the floor from marring or damage during movement of theobject across the surface of the floor. The secondary load imposed onthe annular wiper 802 at a lesser amount since cantilevered arm 805 actsas a shock absorber, reducing the loading force on the annular wiper bycomponent force F_(X1) and/or F_(X2) of the secondary force 803,illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44, thus preventing marking or scratches tothe floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 812,transport surface 806, support plate 809, and annular wiper 802 arecircularly shaped, but could be constructed to include any geometricalshape to match the geometry profile of the object in which the repelassembly 800 is secured without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

Illustrated in FIGS. 38-40, are the top, side elevation, and bottom planviews of the example embodiment of FIG. 36. In the illustrated exampleembodiment, except for the metal spikes 810, transport surface 808, andadhesive 816, the entire assembly 800 is formed from plastic, such asLDPE. In one example embodiment, the transport surface 808 is felt, apolymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or foam material, capableof preventing marring or marking of the floor during use.

In one example embodiment, a metal fixture 860 forming the plurality ofattachment spikes 810 is seated into a form or fixture (not shown) inthe top of the support plate 809. While in an alternative exampleembodiments the metal spikes 810 along with the metal fixture 860 isover-molded into the support plate 809. It should be appreciated thatwhile 3 separate spikes are shown its the plurality of spikes 810, theplurality of spikes could be reduced to a single spike or more thanthree spikes without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

The engagement surface 812 comprises the double-sided adhesive 816,allowing for adhesive bonding to both the object (not shown) and repelassembly 800. In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagementsurface 812 is approximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick and the upper sideincludes a protective sheet to cover the adhesive surface that isremoved upon assembly or attachment to the object during use.

In addition to the adhesive bond formed by the double-sided adhesive816, the plurality of attachment spikes 810 penetrate the engagementsurface 812 daring assembly. This penetration assists in tire securingof the engagement surface 812 to the object.

The plurality of attachment spikes 810 protrude from the attachmentsurface 812 approximately 1/16″ of one inch and include a total of threelocated equally positioned radially at 120 degrees from each other. Thisallows for securing to the object for transport such as a wooden leg offurniture with the use of a small hammer or equivalent tool. While thepenetration of the spikes 814 are advantageously designed in size andconfiguration in combination with the adhesive bond of the engagementsurface 812 provide sufficient strength to resist separation afterattachment, shear stresses, or failure during transport of the object.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 36-41, the adhesiveengagement surface 812 and metal fixture 860 are secured to the upperside 819 of fee support plate 809. The metal fixture 860 in the exampleembodiment of FIG. 41 is molded into the support plate 809 along withthe annular wiper when the repel assembly is formed.

The dynamic wear system 890 formed by the annular wiper 802 and itstapered arm 805 thickness, allows for the horizontal movement ortranslation of the annular tapered arm when the support plate 808 andtransport surface 806 translate vertically by the primary load 801, asindicated by arrow Y in FIGS. 43 and 44. The annular wiper 802 absorbsenergy, creating the lesser secondary load 803 relative to the primaryload 801 carried primarily by the transport surface 806, thus preventingmarking while contacting the floor and eliminating the collection ofdebris on the transport surface. The primary load energy absorptionoccurs as a result of the vector components formed by F_(X) and F_(Y) inFIGS. 43 and 44, as well as, the tapered, thickness in the arm. Thus,the annular wiper receives a lesser or secondary 803 load that issmaller than the primary load 801 formed by the object on the repelassembly 800. This lesser load 803 is small enough to prevent marking onthe floor or surface in contact with the repel assembly 800, but greatenough to result in constant contact around the wiper perimeter, thusrepel dust and/or debris from contacting or accumulating on thetransport surface 806.

During use, the weight of the object acting down on the repel assembly800 (as indicated by the arrow F₁ and F₂ in FIGS. 43 and 44) causes thedownward movement or translation of the support plate 809, the transportsurface 806, and the wiper 802 as described above, and accordingly, therotational movement at the first end 807 of the arm 805 allows at thesecond end 811 to maintain constant contact along the floor or ground.The lesser, secondary load 803 originated by the object is reduced andabsorbed by the tapered arm 805, as discussed above. This prevents theannular wiper 802 from marring or marking the floor, yet it remains incontact with the floor to prevent dust and debris from collecting on thetransport surface 806.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 801 and secondary load 803of the dynamic wear system 890, advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from collecting to or near the transportsurface 806, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 841 wears away from the transport surface. Statedanother way, the repel assembly 800 includes the dynamic wear system 890that allows the transport surface 806 to remain in primary contact withthe floor under the greatest load over time, while the annular wiper 802remains at a safe cleaning contact load with the floor that does notallow for marking or scratches, but keeps the transport surface safefrom debris. To another example embodiment, the transport surface 806includes a wear indicator 842 that informs the user that the amount ofmaterial worn from the bottom of the transport, surface is no longersufficient to provide protection to the floor.

Illustrated in FIGS. 45-50 is another example embodiment of the repelassembly 800 similarly constructed as the example embodiment of FIGS.36-44, except, the example embodiment is without a plurality ofattachment spikes 810. Instead, the example embodiment of FIGS. 45-50 isa held to an object solely by adhesive layer 816 on the contact surface808. In one example embodiment, the adhesive layer is double-sided tape.

FIGS. 55-67 illustrate a repel assembly 900 constructed in accordancewith another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The repelassembly 900 includes a dynamic wear system 990 that allows thetransport surface 906 to remain in primary contact with the floor basedon a primary load 901 (see FIGS. 64 and 65) provided by an object (notshown) resting upon the assembly, while a lesser, secondary load 903from the object is applied to an annular wiper 902 that prevents debrisfrom collecting on a transport surface 906. The dynamic wear system 990,in addition, prevents the repel assembly 900 from marking the floor,while also facilitating the ability of the annular wiper 902 to maintainconstant contact with the floor, thus preventing the collection of dustor debris on the transport surface 906 during use. In addition to theannular wiper 902 and the transport surface 906, the repel assembly 900also includes a contact member 908 and a support plate 909.

The transport surface 906 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a material 941, such as a felt material, a polymer (e.g.,polyethylene or polypropylene), or a foam material, capable ofpreventing marring or marking of the floor during use. The transportsurface 906 contacts the floor on which the object is located. Thetransport, surface 906 is installed below the support plate 909. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the transportsurface 906 can either be press-fit into the annular opening 934 of thesupport plate 909 and/or secured by an adhesive with the surface plate.Alternatively, the transport surface 906 can be molded or hot meltedinto the support plate 909 in order to make a securing connection.

The contact member 908 includes an engagement surface 912 for attachmentto an object such as furniture, or the bottom of a leg, chair, ottoman,dresser, and the like. That is, the repel assembly 900 is fixedlyattached to form a secured connection to an object (not shown) such as afurniture leg through an adhesive bond 916 located on the engagementsurface 912. The repel assembly 900 is a held to an object solely by theadhesive layer 916 on the engagement surface 912. The engagement surface912 comprises the double-sided adhesive 916, allowing for adhesivebonding to both the object (not shown) and to a top surface 914 of thesupport plate 909. In one example embodiment the adhesive layer 916 isdouble-sided tape. The engagement surface 912 is approximately 1/32″ ofone-inch thick and can include a protective sheet (not shown) to coverthe adhesive surface 916 that is removed upon assembly or attachment tothe object during use.

The support plate 909 includes a top surface 914 and a bottom surface919. An indentation portion 918 formed on the top surface 914 acts as ananti-shear mechanism to prevent shearing of the contact member 908during movement of the object across the surface of the floor. That is,the indentation portion 918 provides an anti-shearing surface to theadhesive 916, allowing it to be pressed into the recesses of theindentation and preventing the adhesive from shearing off the uppersurface of the support plate 909.

When the contact member 908 is installed onto the support plate 909,portions of the contact member 908 are pressed into the indentationportion 918. Thus, the indentation portion 918 prevents accidentaldisengagement or “rolling” of the contact member 908 from the supportplate 909. Furthermore, damage to the contact member 908 and/or thesupport plate 909 is prevented. Additionally or alternatively, theindentation portion 918 distributes the primary load 901 away from acenter of the top surface 914 and towards the annular wiper 902.

The indentation portion 918 thus reduces the primary load 901 applied tothe transport surface 906, preventing scratching or marring of the floorduring movement of the object across the floor surface. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 60, the indentation 918 has an X-shape.However, it will be appreciated the indentation 918 can have any shapesuitable for allowing the contact member 908 to be pressed thereinand/or distributing the primary load 901 away from the center of the topsurface 914 and, thus, the transport surface 906.

In one example embodiment, the top surface 914 and a bottom surface 919of the support plate 909 are textured in the mold in order to reducemovement of the contact member 908 and the transport surface 906,respectively. In the illustrated example embodiment, the annular wiper902 is integrally molded into or with the support plate 909, and bothare made from plastic, such as low density polyethelene (LDPE).Alternatively, the support plate 909 can be mechanically engaged (e.g.,by a press-fit connection, etc.) with the annular wiper 902.

The annular wiper 902 includes a cover or arm 905 extending from thesupport plate 909 at a first end 907 to a second end 911. The first end907 of the annular wiper 902 includes a rim 920 that surrounds aperimeter of the support plate 909. The rim 920 extends perpendicularlyfrom the first end 907 relative to the support plate 909 and terminatesat a first plane P1 that is spaced above a second plane P2 that the topsurface 914 of the support plate extends along, as shown in FIG. 61.Thus, the top surface 914 of the support plate 909 is enclosed within aperimeter of the rim 920. The engagement surface 912 extends along athird plane P3 that is spaced above the first plane P1 when the contactmember 908 is engaged with the support plate 909. Once installed, theengagement surface 912 of the contact member 908 extends above the rim920, as shown in FIG. 62. The rim 920 prevents shearing of the contactmember 908 and disengagement with the support plate 909 when the repelassembly 900 is attached to a piece of furniture.

The reduction in the collection of debris on the transport surface 906attributed to the annular wiper 902 construction is best seen in FIGS.63-66. The second end 911 extends away from the first end 907 at a firstangle α. The second end 911 includes a sealing lip 913 that prevents theannular wiper 902 from catching or snagging on imperfections found inthe floor. The sealing lip 913 engages the floor to prevent the annularwiper 902 from snagging on imperfections found in the floor, while alsoproviding an additional seal to prevent the collection of debris on thetransport surface 906. The sealing lip 913 extends away from the secondend 911 at a second angle β. The combination of the first and secondangles α and β facilitates the ability of the annular wiper 902 tomaintain constant contact with the floor, thus preventing the collectionof dust or debris on the transport surface 906 during use. It can beseen in FIGS. 64-66 that as wear or greater loading occurs in the axialdirection Y, the arm 905 of the annular wiper 902 continues to stretchor rotate radially outward in the direction of arrow R, whilemaintaining constant 360 degree contact with the floor.

The support plate 909 advances the transport surface 906 under a primaryload 901 represented by F₁, F₂ (shown in FIGS. 64-66) carried by theobject out of an annular opening 934 of the support plate. The annularwiper 902 engages the floor with a secondary load 903 represented byF_(Y1), F_(Y2), (shown in FIG. 65). While in contact with the floor, theannular wiper 902 acts as a dust cover, repelling debris from attractingto the transport surface 906. Because the primary load 901 generated bythe object is axially transferred (see reference character Y in FIGS.65-66) onto and taken up by the transport surface 906, the primary load901 is greater than the secondary load 903 applied to the annular wiper902. The secondary load 903 applied to the annular wiper 902 is alsoless than the primary load 901 because of the reduced normal componentF_(Y) (see FIGS. 65-66). As a result of the construction of the annularwiper 902, marking or scratching of the floor is avoided, as well as thereduction of dust and debris from collecting on the transport surface906 common to felt furniture glides. This prevention of scratches ormarks on the floor daring movement of the object across the surface ofthe floor is achieved by the repel assembly's dynamic wear system 990.

The cantilevered extension of the annular arm 905 front the supportplate 909, the reduction of the primary load 901 to a secondary load 903on the arm, the dimensions of the sealing lip 913, and the arm's reducedthickness or tapered construction shown in the arm from the first end907 to the second end 911, advantageously allows the annular wiper 902to maintain 360 degrees of contact with the floor during loading or wearof the transport surface 906 (as the felt or material is compressed withtime). This contact is maintained even with the legs left on the floorwhen the object is tilted. That is, an object is tilted when less thanall legs remain on the floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 55-67, the overalldiameter of the annular wiper 902 is one inch to 1-1.5 inches indiameter. The thickness “t” of the annular arm 905 at the first end 907is approximately 0.018 inches, while the thickness “t” of the annulararm 905 tapered to approximately three times that of the first end 907,that is, a thickness of 0.050 inches was found to be a suitable taper.In the same example embodiment, the transport surface 906 had a diameterof approximately 1 inch. It should be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that other sizes of proportionally scaled dimensions axeintended to be within the scope and spirit of the claimed disclosure.

The dynamic wear system 990, generated by the primary and secondaryloads 901 and 903, protect the floor from marring or damage duringmovement of the object across the surface of the floor. The secondaryload 903 is imposed on the annular wiper 902 at a lesser magnitude thanthe primary load 901, since the cantilevered arm 905 acts as a shockabsorber, thereby reducing the loading force on the annular wiper bycomponent force F_(X1) and/or F_(X2) of the secondary force 903,illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66, thus preventing marking or scratches tothe floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 912, thetransport surface 906, the support plate 909, and the annular wiper 902are circularly shaped, but could be constructed to include anygeometrical shape to match the geometry profile of the object in whichthe repel assembly 900 is secured without departing from tire spirit andscope of the present disclosure.

The dynamic wear system 990, formed by the annular wiper 902 and thethickness “t” of the annular tapered arm 905, allows for the horizontalmovement or translation of the tapered arm when the support plate 909and transport surface 906 translate vertically by the primary load 901,as indicated by arrow Y in FIGS. 65 and 66. The annular wiper 902absorbs energy, thereby creating the lesser secondary load 903 relativeto the primary load 901 carried primarily by the transport surface 906.The absorption of energy by the annular wiper 902 prevents marking ofthe floor while the annular wiper contacts the floor and eliminates thecollection of debris on the transport surface 906. The energy absorptionof the primary load 901 occurs as a result of the vector componentsformed by F_(X) and F_(Y) in FIGS. 65 and 66, as well as the taperedthickness “t” of the arm 905. Thus, the annular wiper 902 receives alesser or secondary 903 load that is smaller than the primary load 901formed by the object on the repel assembly 900. This lesser secondaryload 903 is small enough to prevent marking on the floor or surface incontact with the repel assembly 900, but great enough to result inconstant contact around the wiper perimeter, thus repelling dust and/ordebris from contacting or accumulating on the transport, surface 906.The sealing lip 913 absorbs energy from the secondary load 903, whichcauses horizontal movement or translation of the sealing lip. Thehorizontal movement of translation of the sealing lip 913 causes a tightseal to be formed between the sealing lip and the floor, which allowsthe sealing lip to further repel dust and/or debris away from thetransport surface 906.

During use, the weight of the object acting down on the repel assembly900 (as indicated by the arrow F₁ and F₂ in FIGS. 65 and 66) causes thedownward movement or translation of the support plate 909, the transportsurface 906, and the annular wiper 902 as described above, andaccordingly, the rotational movement at the first end 907 of the arm 905allows the sealing lip 913 to maintain constant contact along the flooror ground. The lesser, secondary load 903 originated by the object isreduced and absorbed by the tapered arm 905, as discussed above. Thisprevents the annular wiper 902 from marring or marking the floor, yet itremains in contact with the floor to prevent dust and debris fromcollecting on the transport surface 906.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 901 and secondary load 903of the dynamic wear system 990 advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from collecting to or near the transportsurface 906, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 941 of the transport surface 906 wears away fromthe transport surface. Stated another way, the repel assembly 900includes the dynamic wear system 990 that allows the transport surface906 to remain in primary contact with the floor under the greatest loadover time, while the annular wiper 902 remains at a safe cleaningcontact load wills the floor that does not allow for marking orscratches, but keeps the transport surface safe from debris. In anotherexample embodiment, the transport surface 906 includes a wear indicator942 that informs the user that the amount of material worn from thebottom of the transport surface is no longer sufficient to provideprotection to the floor.

FIGS. 69-71 illustrate a repel assembly 1000 constructed in accordancewith another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The repelassembly 1000 includes a dynamic wear system 1090 that allows atransport surface 1006 to remain in primary contact with the floor basedon a primary load 1001 (see FIG. 69) provided by an object (not shown)resting upon the assembly, while a lesser, secondary load 1003 from theobject is applied to an annular wiper 1002 that prevents debris fromcollecting on a transport surface 1006. The dynamic wear system 1090, inaddition, prevents the repel assembly 1000 from marking the floor, whilealso facilitating the ability of the annular wiper 1002 to maintainconstant contact with the floor, thus preventing the collection of dustor debris on the transport surface 1006 during use. In addition to tireannular wiper 1002 and the transport surface 1006, the repel assembly1000 also includes a contact member 1008 and a support plate 1009.

The transport surface 1006 in the illustrated example embodiment is madefrom a material 1041, such as a felt material, a polymer (e.g.,polyethylene or polypropylene), or a foam material, capable ofpreventing marring or marking of the floor during use. The transportsurface 1006 contacts the floor on which the object is located. Thetransport surface 1006 is installed below the support plate 1009 into anannular opening 1034 molded into a body 1035 forming the annular wiper1002. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thetransport surface 1006 can either be press-fit into annular opening 1034of the body 1035 and/or secured by an adhesive with the contactingsurface 1036 of the body. Alternatively, the transport surface 1006 canbe molded or hot melted into the body's annular opening 1034 in order tomake a securing connection.

The contact member 1008 includes an engagement surface 1012 forattachment to an object such as furniture, or the bottom of a leg,chair, ottoman, dresser, and the like. That is, the repel assembly 1000is fixedly attached to form a secured connection to an object (notshown) such as a furniture leg through, an adhesive bond 1016 located onthe engagement surface 1012. The repel assembly 1000 is a held to anobject solely by the adhesive layer 1016 on the engagement surface 1012.The engagement surface 1012 comprises the double-sided adhesive 1016,allowing for adhesive bonding to both the object (not shown) and to atop surface 1018 of the support plate 1009, which is molded into thebody 1035. In one example embodiment, the adhesive layer 1016 isdouble-sided tape. In one example embodiment, the engagement surface1012 is approximately 1/32″ of one-inch thick and can include aprotective sheet (not shown) to cover the adhesive surface 1016 that isremoved upon assembly or attachment to the object during use.

The support plate 1009 includes an engagement plane 1014 along the topsurface 1018. An indentation portion 1020 is formed in the engagementplane 1014, and the portion acts as an anti-shear mechanism to preventshearing of the contact member 1008 during movement of the object acrossthe surface of the floor. That is, the indentation portion 1020 providesan anti-shearing surface to the adhesive 1016, allowing it to be pressedinto the recesses of the indentation and preventing the adhesive fromshearing off the upper surface of the support plate 1009.

When the contact member 1008 is installed onto the support plate 1009,portions of the contact member 1008 are pressed into the indentationportion 1020. Thus, the indentation portion 1020 prevents accidentaldisengagement or “rolling” of the contact member 1008 from the supportplate 1009. Furthermore, damage to the contact member 1008 and/or thesupport plate 1009 is prevented. Additionally or alternatively, tireindentation portion 1020 distributes the primary load. 1001 away from acenter of the top surface 1018 and towards the annular wiper 1002.

The indentation portion 1020 thus reduces the primary load 1001 appliedto the transport surface 1006, preventing scratching or marring of thefloor during movement of the object across the floor surface. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 68-70, the indentation 1020 has anX-shape. However, it will be appreciated the indentation 1020 can haveany shape suitable for allowing the contact member 1008 to be pressedtherein and/or distributing the primary load 1001 away from the centerof the top surface 1008 and, thus, the transport surface 1006.

In one example embodiment, the top surface 1018 and the contactingsurface 1036 of the support plate 909 or body are textured in the moldin order to reduce movement of the contact member 1008 and the transportsurface 1006, respectively. In the illustrated example embodiment, theannular wiper 1002 is integrally molded into or with the support plate1009 and body 1035, and the wiper, plate, and body are all integrallymolded during a single mold and are made from plastic, such as lowdensity polyethelene (LDPE).

The annular wiper 1002 includes a cover or arm 1005 extending from thesupport plate 1009 at a first end 1007 to a second end 1011. The firstend 1007 of the annular wiper 1002 includes a rim 1022 that surrounds aperimeter of the support plate 1009. The rim 1022 extendsperpendicularly from the first end 1007 relative to the support plate1009.

The reduction in the collection of debris on the transport surface 1006attributed to the annular wiper 1002 construction and the dynamic wearsystem 1090 shown in FIGS. 69 and 70. The second end 1011 extends awayfrom the first end 1007 at an angle α. The second end 1011 includes asealing lip 1013 that prevents the annular wiper 1002 from catching orsnagging on Imperfections 1110 found in the floor 1100. The sealing lip1013 includes a radial front edge as the wiper 1002 moves in contactwith the floor 1100, preventing the annular wiper 1002 from snagging onimperfections found in the floor, while also providing an additionalseal to prevent the collection of debris on the transport surface 1006.The flexing of the annular arm 1005 at the first end 1007 to form angleα along with the sealing lip 1013 facilitates the ability of the annularwiper 1002 to maintain constant contact with the floor, thus preventingthe collection of dust or debris on the transport surface 1006 duringuse. It can be seen in FIG. 70 that as wear or greater loading occurs infee axial direction Y, the arm 1005 of the annular wiper 1002 continuesto stretch or rotate radially outward in the direction of arrow R, whilemaintaining constant 360 degree contact with the floor.

The support plate 1009 and body 1035 advance die transport surface 1006under a primary load 1001 carried by the object out of the annularopening 1034 of the support plate. The annular wiper 1002 engages thefloor with a lesser secondary load 1003 represented. While in contactwith the floor, the annular wiper 1002 acts as a dust cover, repellingdebris from attracting to the transport surface 1006. Because theprimary load 1001 generated by the object is axially transferred (seereference character Y in FIG. 70) onto and taken up by the transportsurface 1006, the primary load 1001 is greater than the secondary load1003 applied to the annular wiper 1002. The secondary load 1003 appliedto the annular wiper 1002 is also less than the primary load 1001because of the reduced normal component F_(Y) by lateral componentF_(X). As a result of the construction of the annular wiper 1002,marking or scratching of the floor is avoided, as well as the reductionof dust and debris from collecting on the transport surface 1006 commonto felt furniture glides. This prevention of scratches or marks on thefloor during movement of the object across the surface of the floor isachieved by the repel assembly's dynamic wear system 1090.

The cantilevered extension of the annular arm 1005 from the supportplate 1009, the reduction of the primary load 1001 to a secondary load1003 on the arm, the dimensions of the sealing lip 1013, and the arm'sreduced thickness or tapered construction shown in the arm 1005 from thefirst end 1007 to the second end 1011, advantageously allows the annularwiper 1002 to maintain 360 degrees of contact with the floor duringloading or wear of the transport surface 1006 (as the felt or materialis compressed with time). This contact is maintained even with the legsleft on the floor when the object is tilted. That is, an object istilted when less than all legs remain on the floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 68-70, the overalldiameter of the annular wiper 1002 is one inch to one and one half(1″-1.5″) inches in diameter. The thickness “t” of the annular arm 1005at the first end 1007 is approximately 0.018 inches, while the thickness“t” of the annular arm 1005 tapered to approximately three times that ofthe first end 1007, that is, a thickness of 0.050 inches was found to bea suitable taper. In the same example embodiment, the transport surface1006 had a diameter of approximately one (1″) inch. It should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other sizes ofproportionally scaled dimensions are intended to be within the scope andspirit of the claimed disclosure.

The dynamic wear system 1090, generated by the primary and secondaryloads 1001 and 1003, protect the floor from marring or damage duringmovement of the object across the surface of the floor. The secondaryload 1003 (reduced load component of the primary load 1001) is imposedon the annular wiper 1002 at a lesser magnitude than the primary load1001, since the cantilevered arm 1005 acts as a shock absorber, therebyredwing the loading force on the annular wiper by component force F_(X)of the secondary force 1003, illustrated in FIG. 70, thus preventingmarking or scratches to the floor.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement surface 1012, thetransport surface 1006, the support plate 1009, body 1035, and theannular wiper 1002 are circularly shaped, but could be constructed toinclude any geometrical shape to match the geometry profile of theobject in which the repel assembly 1000 is secured without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The dynamic wear system 1090, formed by the annular wiper 1002 and thethickness “t” of the annular tapered arm 1005, allows for the horizontalmovement or translation of the tapered arm when the support plate 1009and transport surface 1006 translate vertically by the primary load1001, as indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 70. The annular wiper 1002 absorbsenergy, thereby reducing the primary load 1001 to the lesser secondaryload 1003 carried primarily by the transport surface 1006. Theabsorption of energy by the annular wiper 1002 prevents marking of thefloor while the annular wiper contacts the floor and eliminates thecollection of debris on the transport surface 1006.

The energy absorption of the primary load 1001 occurs as a result of thevector components formed by F_(X) and F_(Y) in FIG. 70, as well as thetapered thickness “t” of the arm 1005. Thus, the annular wiper 1002receives a lesser or secondary 1003 load that is smaller than theprimary load 1001 formed by the object on the repel assembly 1000. Thislesser secondary load 1003 is small enough to prevent marking on thefloor or surface in contact with the repel assembly 1000, but greatenough to result in constant contact around the wiper perimeter, thusrepelling dust and/or debris from contacting or accumulating on thetransport surface 1006. The sealing lip 1013 absorbs energy from thesecondary load 1003, which causes horizontal movement or translation ofthe sealing lip. The horizontal movement of translation of the sealinglip 1013 causes a tight seal to be formed between the sealing lip andthe floor 1100, which allows the sealing lip to further repel dustand/or debris away from the transport surface 1006.

During use, the weight, of the object acting down on tire repel assembly1000 (as indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 70) causes the downwardmovement or translation of the support plate 1009, the transport surface1006, body 1035, and the annular wiper 1002 as described above, andaccordingly, the rotational movement (indicated by angle α) at the firstend 1007 of the arm 1005 allows the sealing lip 1013 to maintainconstant contact along the floor or ground. The lesser, secondary load1003 originated by the object (not shown) is reduced and absorbed by thetapered arm 1005, as discussed above. This prevents the annular wiper1002 from marring or marking the floor, yet it remains in contact withthe floor to prevent dust and debris from collecting on the transportsurface 1006.

By the construction of the radius at the sealing lip 1013, the wiper1002 arm 1005 advantageously passes over cracks or imperfections 1110 inthe floor as can be seen in FIG. 70 by direction of arrow R. Bycomparison, curving the sealing lip to reflect the profile of FIG. 71may cause the wiper to collapse along the wall as indicated by arrow Aupon contacting an imperfection in the floor. Such as collapse may causethe wiper to crack, buckle or break loose from the object.

The dual loading nature of the primary load 1001 and secondary load 1003of the dynamic wear system 1090 advantageously prevents collection ofdirt, dust, hair, and debris from, collecting to or near the transportsurface 1006, while preventing the floor from being damaged over timeeven as the material 1041 of the transport surface 1006 wears away fromthe transport surface. Stated another way, the repel assembly 1000includes the dynamic wear system 1090 that allows the transport surface1006 to remain in primary contact with the floor under the greatest loadover time, while the annular wiper 1002 remains at a safe cleaningcontact load with the floor that does not allow for marking orscratches, hut keeps the transport surface safe from debris. The dynamicwear system 1090 continues to allow change (the outward flexing of thearm 1005) as the transport surface 1006 continues to change (material1041 wears away from the transport surface because of use).

In another example embodiment, the transport surface 1006 includes awear indicator 1042 that informs the user that the amount of materialworn from the bottom of the transport surface is no longer sufficient toprovide protection to the floor.

While many of the above example embodiments have been described ashaving both spikes and adhesive connections with the object it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that either spikes or adhesiveconnections can be used exclusively to connect with the object withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

What have been described above axe examples of the present invention. Itis, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the presentinvention, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the present invention arepossible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within, thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly for repelling or preventing the collection of debris at the base of an object, the assembly comprising: a contact member having an engagement surface for securing to an object; a body having top and bottom surfaces, the top surface supporting the contact member; a transport surface positioned within an opening in said bottom surface of said body, the transport surface for making primary contact with the floor for carrying a first portion of a load of an object during use; and an annular wiper having first and second annular ends, the annular wiper integrally molded into said body and carrying during use a second and relatively less portion of the load, the annular wiper repelling and preventing debris from contacting and collecting on said transport surface.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a securing device that includes an adhesive disposed on the engagement surface of the contact member.
 3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the securing device includes at least one attachment spike.
 4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the securing device includes a combination of the adhesive disposed on the engagement surface of the contact member and a plurality of attachment spikes.
 5. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the contact member further includes a second surface with an adhesive for securing to the top surface of the body.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the body further includes an indentation portion that penetrates into the top surface of the body.
 7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the indentation portion prevents shearing of the contact member during movement of the object across a floor surface.
 8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the indentation portion has an X-shape.
 9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said annular wiper further comprises an arm extending between said first and second annular ends, said first annular end projecting from said body and said annular second end being spaced by said arm from said body and first annular end, the arm having a taper such that said taper provides a cross-sectional thickness in said annular arm that is greater toward said second annular end relative to the cross-sectional thickness at said first annular end.
 10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said annular wiper includes a reduced area of thickness at said first end to allow constant contact with the second end and floor during use.
 11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said annular wiper includes a reduced area of thickness at said first end such that said annular arm rotationally moves to maintain constant contact with said second end and floor as a remaining portion of said load is applied to the assembly from an object during use.
 12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first end of the annular wiper includes a rim that surrounds the body.
 13. The assembly of claim 1 wherein a sealing lip is located at the second end of said wiper, the sealing lip maintains a constant 360 degree contact with the floor during use.
 14. A method of providing an assembly for a floor slider that repels debris from collecting on the floor slider, the method comprising the steps of: securing an assembly to an object, the assembly having a contact member with an engagement surface for securing to the object; providing a body in the assembly having top and bottom surfaces, the top surface supporting the contact member; positioning within an opening of the body a transport surface, the transport surface for making primary contact with the floor and the transport surface; and integrally molding an annular wiper into said body, the annular wiper having first and second annular ends, the annular wiper repelling and preventing debris from contacting and collecting on said transport surface.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of inserting an indentation portion that penetrates into the top surface of the body, the indentation portion prevents shearing of the contact member during movement of the object across a floor surface.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing an arm extending between said first and second annular ends, said first annular end projecting from said body and said second annular end being spaced by said arm from said body and first annular end, the arm having a taper such that said taper provides a cross-sectional thickness in said annular arm that is greater toward said second annular end relative to the cross-sectional thickness at said annular first end.
 17. A repel assembly comprising: a contact member having an engagement surface for securing to an object; a body having top and bottom surfaces, the top surface for supporting said contact member and preventing the contact member from movement during use; a transport surface carrying a primary load during use, the transport surface positioned within said body, the transport surface for making primary contact with the floor during use; an annular wiper carrying a secondary load during use, the annular wiper having first and second annular ends for making secondary contact with the floor during use, the annular wiper integrally molded into said body to provide a dynamic wear system between said annular wiper and said transport surface said primary load remains on said transport surface as the transport surface wears away during use, the annular wiper repelling and preventing debris from contacting and collecting on said transport surface.
 18. The repel assembly of claim 17 wherein loading from the object during use provides said primary load and said secondary load such that primary load is greater than said secondary load and said primary load remains on said transport surface to prevent damage to the floor or surface in which the repel assembly is used and said lesser secondary load remains on said annular wiper to provide annular contact with the floor during use and preventing debris from contacting and collecting on said transport surface.
 19. The repel assembly of claim 17 further comprising an indentation portion formed in the body of said assembly the indentation portion for supporting said contact member during use.
 20. The repel assembly of claim 17 further comprising an annular rim surrounding said top portion of said body for annularly supporting said contact member.
 21. The repel assembly of claim 17 wherein the first and second ends are angled relative to one another.
 22. The repel assembly of claim 17 wherein the first end includes a portion extending within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the primary load.
 23. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends are angled relative to one another.
 24. The repel assembly of claim 1 wherein the first end includes a portion extending within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the load.
 25. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of integrally molding the annular wiper includes integrally molding the first and second ends so as to be angled relative to one another. 